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PROCEDURE
FOR
RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

00
Rev.No.

For the initial issue and approval

Description

Date

Prepared by Checked by

Approved by

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1. OBJECTIVE
To define Radiographic examination process for detection of internal
discontinuities in a welding joint.
2.

SCOPE
This procedure covers the minimum requirements for radiographic
examination by using either X-rays or Gamma rays sources as per ASME
SEC V Article 2

3.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The following documents are considered as reference document:

Written practice for NDE personal qualification as per ASNT recommended

practice SNT-TC-IA. 1996.

Standard guide for radiographic examination, ASME Section V - Article 2.

For process piping, ASME B 31.3

ASME SEC IX

Project specification for Field Welding, PWHT and NDE of Piping Systems

Welding and NDE of Piping System 25179-000-3PS-NWP0-N0005

4.

ABBRIVIATIONS/DEFINITIONS
SM
QIP
I/C
QA&QC
ASME
ASNT
NDE
TP
RT
PPE
HSE
IMTE
BA
BSD
FRM
ASTM
IQI
RS
RW
R1
R2`
MSV
CONTRACTOR

Site Manager
Quality Inspection Plan
In -Charge
Method Statement
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society for Non-Destructive Testing
Non Destructive Examination
Third Party
Radiographic Testing/Examination
Personal Protective Equipment
Health, Safety & Environment
Inspection, Measuring & Test Equipment
Business Area
Business Support Department
Form
American Society for Testing and Materials
Image Quality Indicator
Re-shoot
Re-weld
Repair 1
Repair 2
Millisievert
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5.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Area In-charge and QA&QC NDE co-ordinator.

6.

PROCEDURE
6.1

QUALIFICATION OF THE PERSONNEL:

Personnel Performing radiographic examination should be
qualified and currently certified as an NDE Level I,II or III equivalent as
per ASNT-SNT-TC-IA. Personnel performing Radiographic interpretation
should be qualified and have current certifications as an NDE Level II or III
in the radiographic method.

6.2

RADIATION SOURCE
6.2.1

GAMMA RAY SOURCE

Iridium 192 Gamma ray sealed sources of appropriate curies
shall be used. The source shall be a maximum of 3 x 2-mm
size and shall be operated by remote control device.

6.3

6.2.2

The maximum thickness for the use of radioactive isotopes is

primarily dictated by exposure time; therefore, upper limits are
not shown. When the radiographic techniques in use
demonstrate that the required radiographic sensitivity has
been achieved the minimum recommended thickness
limitation might be reduced.

6.2.3

If required to confirm, DESCON Engineering Abu Dhabi shall

supply the source suppliers certificate having detail of source
activity and source size.

6.2.4

X-Ray source
This is equipment operated with the help of power and is in the
range of 150 kV to 300 kV, 5 mA.

RADIOGRAPHIC FILMS
6.3.1

ASME Section V will be used as a standard guide for RT.

Unexposed films should be stored in such a manner that they
are protected from the effects of light, pressure, heat, humidity,
etc. For Gamma radiography only ultra fine grain film shall be
used, e.g. AGFA D4, Kodak Industries MX or equal. For X-ray
fine grain may be used e.g. AGFA D7, Kodak Industries MX or
equal.

6.3.2

The radiography shall be performed according to ASME Sec.V

2004 and addenda. The quality of RT performance is directly

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governed by the applicable code / standard and customer

specification.
6.3.2

The type of exposure will be delivered based on the joint

technical details, accessibility, and requirement as outlined in
QIP or suggested by reference code / standard and customer
specification
Refer table below for film characteristics.

X-ray film type

6.4

Characteristics

ASTM Class II

Fine Grain

ASTM Class I

Extra Fine Grain

Equivalent
Any brand with the required
specification.
Any brand with the required
specification.

6.3.4

Generally one film shall undergo radiation exposure. The

composite viewing technique (if applicable) may be used in
order to decrease the exposure, to avoid misinterpretation of
film defect, and for examination of joints of different thickness.

6.3.5

In the area of viewing, film shall be free from mechanical,

chemical or other blemishes such as:
a)

Fogging

b)

Processing defects such as streaks watermarks or

chemical stains.

c)

Scratches, finger marks, crimps, dirtiness, static marks,

smudges or tears.

d)

Loss of detail due to poor screen to film contact.

e)

False indications due to defective screens or internal

faults.

SCREENS
Lead intensifying screens shall be used in direct contact with the film.
The screens shall be 0.01" front and back and in intimate contact with
the film.

6.5

PENETRAMETERS
Penetrameters shall be of wire type. The essential wire shall be 2% of

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the parent metal thickness. Their application and use shall be as per
following table.

Thickness crossed
by rays (mm)
04 to 06
06 to 08
08 to 10
10 to 16
16 to 25
25 to 32
32 to 40
40 to 60
60 to 80

Type of wire
(mm)
15
14
13
12
11
09
08
07
06

Diameter of the
wire
0.125
0.16
0.20
0.25
0.32
0.40
0.63
0.80
1.00

Sensitivity
S=V.W/Tx100
2.0%
2.0%
2.0%
1.5%
1.2%
1.5%
1.5%
1.3%
1.25%

For branch connections, a lower sensitivity other than above indicated

may be followed as the unavoidable distortion may make operational
hindrances. Other than this point the application of Penetrameters
shall be controlled as above.
6.6

6.7

SELECTION OF PENETRAMETER (I.Q.I)

6.6.1

The designation of the DIN / ASTM penetrameter shall be

selected according to the table above.

6.6.2

For any material thickness range, a thinner penetrameter listed

for that range may be used provided all other requirements for
radiography are met. For welds with reinforcements the
thickness on which the penetrameter is based is the nominal
single wall thickness plus the estimated weld reinforcement
permitted by the referencing Code section. The actual
measurement of weld reinforcement is not required as part of
the weld thickness in penetrameter selection.

6.6.3

The selection of penetrameter will be function of the single wall

thickness for both single wall technique and double wall
technique with single wall viewing. For double wall technique
with double wall viewing, the penetrameter will be selected
relating to double nominal wall thickness.

PLACEMENT OF PENETRAMETER (I.Q.I)

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6.8

6.7.1

The penetrameter shall be placed across the weld, but in no

case will the penetrameter identification be in the weld
deposited area.

6.7.2

Where inaccessibility prevents placing the penetrameter on

the source side, a film side penetrameter shall be placed on
the film side of the joint, and a lead letter "F" at least as high
as the identification numbers shall be placed adjacent to the
penetrameter.

6.7.3

Where more than one film is used for an exposure, a

penetrameter image shall appear on each radiograph, except
where the source is placed on the axis of the object and a
complete circumference radiographed with single exposure, in
which case at least three equally spaced penetrameters shall
be used. Where portions of longitudinal welds adjoining the
circumferential weld are being examined simultaneously with
the circumferential weld, additional penetrameters shall be
placed on longitudinal welds at the ends of the sections of
those welds being radiographed. For spherical vessels, where
the source is located at the centre of the vessel and one or
more film cassettes are simultaneously exposed, at least 3
equally spaced penetrameters per 3600. Circumferential seam
plus one additional penetrameter for each other seam shall be
used.

SENSITIVITY
2% I.Q.I sensitivity shall be used for evaluating radiographic quality.

6.9

FILM PLACEMENT
6.9.1

6.10

Each film shall be placed on the surface to be radiographed in

a secure manner, however where films are overlapped, the
minimum film overlap shall be 1" on each end or as practically
advised by referred Code, the film shall be shaped to the
contour of the object. As per ASME B31.3 pipe girth welds that
intersect longitudinal welds, at least 1.5 of the longitudinal
weld shall be shown on the radiograph.

SOURCE TO FILM DISTANCE

6.10.1 The characteristics that shall govern the minimum source to
film distances are:
a)
b)
c)

Physical size of the radiation source.

Geometric unsharpness
Material Thickness

6.10.2 When required by the referencing code, radiography is to be

performed with a geometrical unsharpness not to exceed the
following:

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Material Thickness
(Inches)

U G Maximum
(Inches)

Under 2
Through 3
Over 3 Through 4
Greater than 4

0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050

6.10.3 Geometrical un-sharpness (Ug) equals source size times

object thickness over object to source distance:
Ug

= (F x d) / D

Where;

6.11

F=

Source size in inches; the maximum effective

dimension of the radiating source (or focal spot) in a
plane through the source and normal to the distance D
from the weld or object being radio graphed.

D=

Distance in inches from source of radiation to weld or

other object being radiographed.

d=

Thickness in inches of the weld or other object being

radiographed assuming the film is against the weld or
object. Otherwise, it is the thickness of the weld or
object plus the space between the film and the weld or
object.

FILM PROCESSING
All radiographic films shall be processed in strict accordance with
ASME Sec. V and the film manufactures recommendations.

6.12

QUALITY OF RADIOGRAPHS
All films shall be free from processing or other defects, which would
interfere with proper interpretation of the radiograph. Exposed
radiographs shall be stored in envelopes with interleaf paper between
each piece of film(1 weld per envelope)

6.13

FILM DENSITY / SENSITIVITY

The film density through the hole IQI or adjacent to the designated
wire of a wire IQI and the weld shall be 2.0 minimum to 4.0 maximum
for radiographs made with a gamma ray source and 1.8 minimum to
4.0 maximum for radiographs made with an X-ray source.
Film sensitivity should be 2% or better.

6.14

RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE

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A single wall exposure technique shall be used for radiography

whenever practical. When it is not practical to use a single wall
technique, a double wall technique shall be used.
6.14.1 SINGLE WALL VIEWING
For materials and for welds in components, a technique may
be used in which the radiation passes through the walls and
only the weld (material) on the film sidewall is viewed for
acceptance on the radiograph. When complete coverage is
required for circumferential weld (materials), a minimum of
three exposures taken 120 deg. to each other shall be made.
6.14.2 DOUBLE-WALL VIEWING
For materials and for welds in components 3, or less in
nominal outside diameter, a technique may be used in which
the radiation passes through two walls and the weld (material)
in both walls is viewed for acceptance on the same
radiograph. For double-wall viewing only a source side
penetrameter shall be used. Case should be exercised to
ensure that the required geometric unsharpness is not
exceeded. If the geometric unsharpness requirement cannot
be met, then Single-wall viewing shall be used.
For welds, the radiation beam may be offset from the plane of
the weld at an angle sufficient to separate the images of the
source side and film side portions of the weld so that there is
no overlap of the areas to be interpreted. When complete
coverage is required, a minimum of two exposures taken 90
deg. to each other shall be made for each joint.
As an alternate, the weld may be radiographed with the
radiation beam positioned so that the images of both walls are
superimposed. When complete coverage is required, a
minimum of three exposures taken at 60 deg. or 120 deg. to
each other shall be made for each joint.
Additional exposures shall be made if the required
radiographic coverage cannot be obtained using the minimum
number of exposures indicated.
6.15

DENSITOMETERS
Calibrated densitometers of reading film H& D densities from 1.0 to 4.0
shall be used.
Densitometers shall be calibrated at least every 90 days during use as
follows.
6.15.1 A national standard step tablet or a nominal standard
step tablet and having at least 5 steps with neutral densities

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from at least 1.0 through 4.0, shall be used. The step wedge
calibration film shall have been verified within the last year by
comparison with a national standard step tablet unless prior to
first use, it was maintained in the original light-tight and water
proof sealed package as supplied by the manufacturer. Step
wedge calibration films may be used without verification for
one year upon opening, provided it is within manufactures
stated shelf life.
6.15.2 The densitometer manufacturers step-by-step
instructions for the operation of the densitometer shall be
followed.
6.15.3
The density step closest to 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 on
the national standard step tablet or step wedge calibration film
shall be read.
6.15.4
The densitometer is acceptable if the density
readings do not vary by more than + 0.05 density units from
the actual density stated on the national standard step tablet
or step wedge calibration form.
6.16

FILM HOLDER
Films Holders shall be light tight and shall be free of sand, dirt, or
other foreign particles.

6.17

LEAD IDENTIFICATION MARKERS

Lead Identification Markers shall be a minimum of 1/4" high and 1/16"
deep in size and in quantities necessary.

6.18

DEVELOPING EQUIPMENT
Developing will be done manually as per chemical manufacturer's
recommendation and in accordance with ASME Sec V.

6.19

VIEWING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Viewing facilities shall provide subdued background lighting so as not
to cause reflections, shadows, or glare on the radiographs being
viewed. Film viewers shall be of the high intensity type with a variable
intensity control. They shall produce sufficient illumination to view the
maximum file density as required. The viewer shall have provision to
prevent light from lower density portions from interfering with
interpretation.

6.20

PROCESS
All radiography shall be performed in accordance with the safety
requirements.

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6.21

SURFACE PREPARATION
When necessary, weld ripples or welds surface irregularities on both
the insides (where accessible) and outside shall removed to such a
degree so that irregularities cannot mask or be confused with the
image of any discontinuity. The finished surface may be flushed with
the base material or have a uniform crown, & must conform to the
applicable material specification and not exceed maximum
reinforcement specified in the referencing code. All material interfering
with the radiographic interpretation shall be removed.

6.22

RELEASES FOR RADIOGRAPHY

Radiography shall be performed only on such joint which are
acceptable in visual check. The radiography shall be carried out as
per the specification- Welding and NDE of Piping System.

6.23

FILM IDENTIFICATION
6.23.1 A system shall be used to produce a permanent identification
by using lead numbers, letters on the radiograph traceable to
the contract, component, weld or weld seam, job number. In
addition that the Manufacturers symbol or name and the date
of radiograph shall be plainly and permanently included in the
radiograph. Film Identification will be as per the specification.
6.23.2 RW shall be added to the original weld number and the
original RT report number whenever a weld is completely cut
out and re-welded for reasons other than quality i.e.
engineering change etc.
6.23.3 T1, T2 etc. Shall be added to be original RT report number for
a rejected weld that requires progressive examination.
6.23.4 R1, R2 etc. Shall be added to original weld number and the
original RT report number whenever there is a local repair
identified on the original Radiograph.
6.23.5 C1, C2 etc shall be added to the original weld number and the
original RT report number when ever a weld is completely cutout and re-welded due to poor quality.

6.24

LOCATION MARKERS
Lead location markers or number belts shall be placed on the object
being radiographed and not on the film or film holder and in such a
manner that the complete coverage and overlap film areas are fully
identified and the relationship between the film and the object is firmly
established. The datum point and direction of numbering shall be
clearly marked on the weld in paint marker. Markers shall not mask
the area under examination. As a check for back-scatter radiation, a
lead symbol B, with minimum dimensions of 0.5 in height and 1/16

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inch thickness, shall be attached to the back of each film holder during
exposure. If a light image of B appears on the radiograph, the
radiograph shall be considered unacceptable. A dark image of the B
on a lighter background is not cause for the rejection of the
radiograph.
6.25

PLACEMENT OF LOCATION MARKERS

6.25.1 Location markers shall be used to ensure complete coverage and

shall appear as radiographic image on the film. The location markers
shall be placed on the part, not on the film holder / cassette. For
other than elliptical or superimposed exposures, the first location
shall be identified with a 0. Location markers should be not
closer than inch to the weld. Number belts may be used.
6.25.2

Location marker spacing foe circumferential pipe or tube welds

Shall be as noted below.
Nominal Pipe Dia.
(Inches)
<3.5
(Elliptical
or
superimposed
Exposure)
<3.5
(Single
Wall
Viewing)

1 per exposure

>3.5 through 6.0

Minimum
2
exposure,
marking extremities of the
area of interest.
1 inch apart

>6.0 through 18.0

2 inch apart

>18

6.25.3

Spacing

Not to exceed 6 inches.

The location markers shall consist of lead numbers between

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and inches in height. A starting point shall be selected for

each weld being radiographed. The starting point and direction
of numbering shall be identified by marking a zero (which
corresponds the zero of location markers) and an arrow
(representing the numbering direction) on the pipe component in
a manner allowing accurate tractability of the starting point for at
the period of required film retention.
6.25.4

When permanent marking is prohibited or Impractical,

temporarily mark the 0 and arrow. This temporary marking
shall be maintained until the area being examined is acceptable.

6.25.5

A clear accurate sketch of the temporary marking shall be

prepared to allow traceability of the radiographs to the part or
weld. This sketch shall be filled with Radiographs.

6.25.6

If the image of the weld will not be a readily apparent on the

radiograph (due to the weld having been ground flush, for
instance), arrows or Vs shall be placed at the weld toe opposite
the film location numbers and positioned to appear on the both
ends of the film.

6.26

EXTENT OF RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

The extent of radiographic examination is as per the Descons scope
of work and as per the specification.

6.27

ACCEPTANCE STANDARD FOR WELDS

a)

For Process piping, ASME B 31.3

b)

When a radiograph displays weld concavity and the pipe

inside surface is not accessible to physically measure the
depth, the acceptability of the concavity may be determined
by comparing the radiographic film density. If the density of
the concave area is the same as or less than (lighter than) the
adjacent base metal, the concave area is acceptable.
c)

6.28

For welder Qualification- ASME SEC IX

RECORDS
6.28.1 The Radiographic reports shall be furnished on the form
FM-4321 given by the Contractor as attached .

6.29

SITE SAFETY DURING RADIOGRAPHY OPERATION

The site HSE procedure shall govern for the implementation of
safe operation of radiography. However, the site In charge

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QA&QC shall ensure safe performance of radiography

operation through checklist duly coordinated with site HSE
coordinator and customer.
7.

HSE INSTRUCTIONS
Radiography work shall be performed in accordance with detailed safety
requirements for radiography works in Babcock.

The following areas shall be classified as restricted areas:

Storage place of radioactive materials to be allocated by customer.

Any area where radiation exists at levels such that the body could
receive a dose in excess of 300 micro-sievert per hour (30
millirems per hour) per week.

The following shall be considered as off-limit.

Any area where radiation exists such that the body could receive a
dose in excess of 500 microsievert per hour (50 millirems per
hour).

Area within minimum 15 meters from the source of radiation

(operating X-ray or radioactive source).

Unauthorized persons shall not be allowed to enter the restricted

area and off-limit areas.

During examination proper shielding should be used to prevent

escape of radiation into the environment.

To prevent the entry of unauthorized persons, the following shall be

provided for the restricted and off-limit areas/spaces.

7.3

Warning signs, labels and posters showing the existing radiation

hazards and that no entry allowed.

Fence, barricade or rope-off with radiation signs and flashing lights.

Before starting the radiation work, the radiography supervisor
shall check restricted areas to confirm that no unauthorized person
is in the area and he shall reconfirm it during the exposure time

Radiography Supervisor of the supplier shall have the appropriate

governmental license depending upon the type of radiography work.
He shall prepare radiography supervisor checklist which includes the
following information:

Name of license holder

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Type of license
License Number
Date license was granted
Expiry date of licence
Copy of licence
Other information as required

The checklist shall be filed at the subcontractor field office and a copy
thereof shall be submitted to Descon, copy to QHSE department. This
shall be subject for verification by the QHSE manager of Descon.
7.4

7.5

7.6

STORAGE OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

7.4.1

Radioactive materials shall be stored separately from other

materials or equipment. The storage facility of radioactive
material container shall be so constructed as to be free from
the hazards of flood, fire, cave-in and other adverse
conditions. The storage shall be lockable and shall be fenced
with a lockable gate. Other applicable regulations in
consultation with the customer shall be applied.

7.4.2

Radiography supervisor shall measure and record the dose of

radiation everyday at the boundary of restricted area where
the radioactive materials are stored. The dose shall not
exceed 300 microsievert (30 millions) per week.

TRANSPORTATION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

7.5.1

Radioactive materials shall be transported by two or more men

under the direct supervision of a radiography supervisor.
Transportation by one man is strictly prohibited.

7.5.2

During transport, the driver and other rider shall keep pocket
dosimeters.

7.5.3

Sign showing that radioactive material is being transported

shall be displayed.

7.5.4

Descon HSE shall be informed 30 minutes prior to customer

and shall report to main gate on entry. Assistance of
operations shall be requested to facilitate the entry of the
radioactive source to the security gates.

TRAINING
The subcontractor shall provide proof that training to their personnel
involved in radiography jobs as stated below has been conducted.
ITEM
Rules

& regulations

relating

to

the

MINIMUM TRAINING
HOURS
1.5 Hours

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prevention of radiation damage.

Safe handling/operating method of radio
isotope and X-Ray apparatus
Effect of radiation on human body
7.7

4.0 Hours
0.5 Hours

OPERATIONAL SAFE LIMITS OF RADIOGRAPHY APPARATUS

Operation of radiography apparatus shall be done only be radiography
supervisor or by his assistant authorized by the supervisor.
7.7.1

DOSE LIMIT
For persons working in the restricted area, accumulated dose
shall not exceed 10 millisievert (msv) per month, 20 msv
during any 3 months and 30 msv during any 12 months.
Person who received a dose in excess of the 12-month limit
shall not be allowed to do any radiography work for a period of
12 months.
NOTE: 1 millisievert (msv) = 100 millirems.
Accumulated dose for a person, who temporarily enters the
restricted area, shall not exceed 10 millisievert per year.

8.ATTACHMENTS

Radiographic Examination Report : FRM -4321